India's batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi draws confidence from maiden fifty against Zimbabwe

Harare continues to be a happy hunting ground for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, but ​India's batting sensation is not taking ​success for granted after producing another match-winning knock at the ​venue in the first Twenty20 International against Zimbabwe.

The 15-year-old, fast-tracked into international cricket after he dazzled in the Indian Premier League, smashed 50 off 19 balls as India chased down a target of ‌126 with 40 ⁠balls ⁠to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Earlier this year, the opener hammered 175 ​off 80 balls in the Under-19 World Cup final against England at the same Harare Sports ​Club ground, securing a comprehensive Indian victory.


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"I love the vibe here," the soft-spoken Sooryavanshi told BCCI.tv of the venue, which will host all three matches of the ​series.

"There are certain grounds where you love to score ⁠runs, and ‌that's maybe the case here, but I'm certainly not taking anything ​for granted.

"I'm ​just trying to give my best, regardless of venue, and ⁠contribute to the team and do well."

Sooryavanshi became the youngest ​cricketer to represent India last month, but struggled in the ​three T20 matches he played in England.

The left-handed batter said his maiden half-century had given him hope that he had turned a corner.

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"If you can play this kind of innings at the starting phase of your career, it gives you the confidence to do well in the next match. I felt I was in ‌my zone, and I just backed my strength," he said.

Teammate Mayank Yadav also had a satisfying outing as the fast bowler returned from ​a lengthy ​injury layoff.

Mayank played his ⁠first three T20 Internationals in 2024 before a string of injuries sidelined the 24-year-old.

He claimed 2-18 in a tidy four-over spell to help restrict Zimbabwe to a modest ​125-7.

"It was very difficult (to stay motivated)," player of the match Mayank told reporters.

"I was just 22-23 and I had to suffer so much at a young age. At the same time, the motivation to play for the country was always there. So I wanted to make a comeback and perform as I did before."